I wouldn't bash Leighton, my brother has one and it's lovely. Initially I was going to go for one of theirs but the prices increased by about 10k over what my brother paid pre COVID, and I instead went down the route of a high spec van order with VW and a plan to convert it to a swamper (just to be different) after delivery. Was working to a deadline when my transit goes back, and no news from VW, so decided to cancel and Van Haven had virtually the exact spec in stock (had to sacrifice electric doors) and a build slot that I could live with. I will pick the van up about 3 months from first calling them.Love that tan interior. Mine will stay std, I like to take the dog in the van with me, and that trumps nice leather in my book. He pukes in the car, so the leather stays nice in there (not because it’s good for it, because he’s not allowed in!)
You mention Leighton, I’m no fan of turn key converters of the type, but they offered such a good deal on everything and offered free paint & fitting, it was difficult to turn it down. I didn’t say yes on the day but knew I would the day after, just needed to leave like I’d felt I’d played hard to get! I popped in with no intent on availing myself of their techs, I typically do it all myself - The quality of work I saw on the vans in there was spot on. (Spotted a bit of blunt paint here and there, but I’m super fussy) The advantage of fitting loads of the same gear to the same van is that they get to know where the tabs are, the pitfalls and how to do a lovely job of fitting the stuff. Plus you get to see what colours and combos work - it was like a van harem.
Personally I’d be worried if I was sitting on their level of stock, but to each their own. Well over 70 vans in when I went. All of them top dollar and spec. Made a ‘basic’ highline look very pedestrian parked in the entrance
Process with VH has been completely painless and I've got exactly the van I dreamed of, when I need it.